Yes, I admit it. I have been MIA for a while. I have been living a very hectic work-life, and sitting in front of the computer for any amount of time in the evening has been painful. But here I am, and now that it is dark out so early, I really do have time for blog posts.
As many of you know, hurricane Irene devastated parts of Vermont. Vermonter's hardest hit are waiting to hear if they will get some FEMA help in rebuilding their homes and lives. In any paper you look at up here, you will see ads for all kinds of fundraisers regarding helping your neighbors rebuild. Vermonters are a hearty bunch, with strong coummunity ties. The state has worked hard to get all those roads opened that you Fall "leaf peepers" love to travel on. Don't hesitate to come.
My garden suffered from the rain of Irene. Most things were flattened, but have made a comeback. That would be the weeds also. But that will be an ongoing problem hurricanes or not.
For some reason, I thought I'd try to grow a little fall vegetable garden after listening to a newscast encouraging gardner's to give it a try. So right now, I actually have radishes, arugula, carrots, basil and lettuce nearing the picking stage.
The radishes have just reached their optimum size for eating.
When Chloe and Phoebe were here in June, we planted some sunflowers, which were also flattened by Irene. But they made a wonderful comeback and are a bright spot in the back yard.
On my way to work yesterday morning, I spotted what looked like a small-sized soccer ball in a grassy edge of a wooded area. I knew immediately what it was; turned around and plucked it from its earthy rest. A puffball!! I'm not sure of the true name of this mushroom, but I know they're referred to as puffballs, because when they are at the end-of-their-life stage, they have a hardened exterior and are filled with spores. When kicked they explode an the spores look like a "puff" of smoke.
I brought my puffball home, and we had half of it for dinner. Marinated in olive oil and garlic, I then sauteed it. I would have been happier to grill it, but it was raining. I'm hoping we'll have the second half grilled tonight. (Make sure you know what you're picking. Wild mushrooms are poisonious. Puffballs are very distinct when they are this size.)
I hope you've all had a wonderful summer. I have a hard time seeing it end, even though Fall is a wonderful and beautiful time of year in these parts.
I know how busy work combined with summer outside work can be. Glad to see you back. You can eat puffballs??? I didn't know that, but just googled it and found out a lot of information. Sometimes I do see them this time of year, and I might just pick one and give it a try. I know a restaurant owner who knows a lot about mushrooms, so I'll show it to him before I cook it.
Posted by: Pam | September 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM